Re: Re: Stories/Updates

January 3, 2006

Cobb is the angle of the curve itself. The RVAD is the rib vertebral angle difference and it is a measurement that they take which is a good indicator as to whether the scoliosis will progress or resolve. An RVAD of over 20 degrees will usually progress and less than that may end up resolving on its own.

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

This e- mail has really made me realize that I need to get Madison's story posted. (sorry ) I don't check the e-mail too terribly often, but this one caught my eye for some reason. At any rate.....My daughter, Madison, was first casted when she was 8 months old, by Dr. D'Astous in SLC, UT. Her cast was changed every six-eight weeks. She wore a cast for 15 months total and is now in a TLSO. We will be going to pick up her second one next Tuesday actually. Her original curve at first application was 54 Cobb and 45 RVAD. After just the first application she went down to 26 Cobb and 20 RVAD. (these measurements are to the best of my recollection) When the third cast was applied her curve actually increased and she had developed a compensatory curve. This was was explained to me because her rotation and wedging were being corrected. She wore a total of 7 casts. When the final cast came off (7/05) her RVAD was zero and her COBB was 12. After just having x-rays done last week her RVAD remains at zero and her COBB is at 5. The only problems we ran into was skin breakdown one time, which we had treated locally at a diabetic wound care clinic. We just had her cast trimmed down a little bit where the breakdown was occuring and within 3 days she was fine. As for after effects, what I notice first and foremost is a VERY straight spine with incredible posture. Upon Dr. D'Astous's recommendation she is receiving PT twice a week to help strengthen her torso and improve her balance. I can see improvement almost every session. Where she was experieincing pulmonary disfunction, all seems to be well now. She goes back for a follow-up on that 2/24. Considering the alternatives, I think she's doing great. I feel like I have tried to tell you all the poitives and negatives involved. In my personal opinion, I think the whole experience was tougher on me than her. She took her first steps ( she was 14 months old) in her 5th cast, at Shriners while walking with Dr. D'Astous, so it seemed very fitting to me. I guess because she learned to walk in the cast is why she has the balance issues, which really aren't that noticeable. And of cousre being in some type of brace or cast (born with sublexed hips) since the day she was born has attributed to the muscle atrophy in her torso. Because I can see constant improvement, I don't hesitate in saying I would do it all over again if I had to. You are going to be suprised how resiliant your little one is. I wish you and your family the very best.

As I stated in the begining I am HORRIBLE about checking the posts. If you, or anyone, would like to chat, I would be more than happy to talk to you. I live in TX (CST), and my only request is please don't call before 0700 or after 2000 my time. Otherwise, I am home all day usually and available for you. 325-651-9160. Sorry this is such a long e-mail, but I hope gives some of you new parents hope and maybe some who are in the journey and getting frustrated and renewed sense of hope. Happy New Year to each and every one of you.

mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote:

Like, , Chesney, Lacie, Kenzie, Lexi, Tess...What was their curve degree before 1st Cast?What age did they receive their first cast?How many casts have they gone through?What are their angles now?How old are they now?Just interested in seeing others outcomes from this if any of you have time, I would really appreciate it. I don't mean to ask all girls either, just because I have a daughter, would be interested in boys answers too even, anyone really who has time to share the above info and any additional info. would be appreciated! Even via personal e-mail if you want.. thanks so much!>> While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem to access > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. I'm just > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how your kids > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's first cast put > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how responsive > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics posted > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are going for them.> > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy (right?). He uses > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex type lining > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I should find out > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific names that I > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had only had to > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or is that > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is appreciated! She's > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right while she's in > the rapid growth period. Thanks.>

PhotosRing in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.

January 3, 2006

, I think normally they shoot for 8 weeks, but I was thinking with all of the casts they did at the ETTP that they might be busier than normal and that is why it was actually 10 weeks before we are getting the cast change. It will be interesting to see if they go to 8 weeks this time or keep it at 10.

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Re: Stories/Updates

Madison had a cast change every 6-8 weeks? I wonder how they determine how often to change it. Cole was 8 months when he was casted and we get our first cast change at 10 weeks. I feel like his current cast is about to fall apart and wish we could get a new one sooner. Plus , Iam anxious for under the arm cast! Great story. Very much like the beginning of Cole's, and we look forward to having the same results in a year from now. <jenstewart73@...> wrote:

This e- mail has really made me realize that I need to get Madison's story posted. (sorry ) I don't check the e-mail too terribly often, but this one caught my eye for some reason. At any rate.....My daughter, Madison, was first casted when she was 8 months old, by Dr. D'Astous in SLC, UT. Her cast was changed every six-eight weeks. She wore a cast for 15 months total and is now in a TLSO. We will be going to pick up her second one next Tuesday actually. Her original curve at first application was 54 Cobb and 45 RVAD. After just the first application she went down to 26 Cobb and 20 RVAD. (these measurements are to the best of my recollection) When the third cast was applied her curve actually increased and she had developed a compensatory curve. This was was explained to me because her rotation and wedging were being corrected. She wore a total of 7 casts. When the final cast came off (7/05) her RVAD was zero and her COBB was 12. After just having x-rays done last week her RVAD remains at zero and her COBB is at 5. The only problems we ran into was skin breakdown one time, which we had treated locally at a diabetic wound care clinic. We just had her cast trimmed down a little bit where the breakdown was occuring and within 3 days she was fine. As for after effects, what I notice first and foremost is a VERY straight spine with incredible posture. Upon Dr. D'Astous's recommendation she is receiving PT twice a week to help strengthen her torso and improve her balance. I can see improvement almost every session. Where she was experieincing pulmonary disfunction, all seems to be well now. She goes back for a follow-up on that 2/24. Considering the alternatives, I think she's doing great. I feel like I have tried to tell you all the poitives and negatives involved. In my personal opinion, I think the whole experience was tougher on me than her. She took her first steps ( she was 14 months old) in her 5th cast, at Shriners while walking with Dr. D'Astous, so it seemed very fitting to me. I guess because she learned to walk in the cast is why she has the balance issues, which really aren't that noticeable. And of cousre being in some type of brace or cast (born with sublexed hips) since the day she was born has attributed to the muscle atrophy in her torso. Because I can see constant improvement, I don't hesitate in saying I would do it all over again if I had to. You are going to be suprised how resiliant your little one is. I wish you and your family the very best.

As I stated in the begining I am HORRIBLE about checking the posts. If you, or anyone, would like to chat, I would be more than happy to talk to you. I live in TX (CST), and my only request is please don't call before 0700 or after 2000 my time. Otherwise, I am home all day usually and available for you. 325-651-9160. Sorry this is such a long e-mail, but I hope gives some of you new parents hope and maybe some who are in the journey and getting frustrated and renewed sense of hope. Happy New Year to each and every one of you.

mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote:

Like, , Chesney, Lacie, Kenzie, Lexi, Tess...What was their curve degree before 1st Cast?What age did they receive their first cast?How many casts have they gone through?What are their angles now?How old are they now?Just interested in seeing others outcomes from this if any of you have time, I would really appreciate it. I don't mean to ask all girls either, just because I have a daughter, would be interested in boys answers too even, anyone really who has time to share the above info and any additional info. would be appreciated! Even via personal e-mail if you want.. thanks so much!>> While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem to access > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. I'm just > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how your kids > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's first cast put > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how responsive > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics posted > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are going for them.> > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy (right?). He uses > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex type lining > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I should find out > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific names that I > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had only had to > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or is that > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is appreciated! She's > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right while she's in > the rapid growth period. Thanks.>

PhotosRing in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.

January 4, 2006

I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country,

but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with

the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband

is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all

your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics &

how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > >

> > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > >

> > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >>

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

January 4, 2006

What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday. Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the

conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think

she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on

and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type >

> > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > >

> > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

January 4, 2006

I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote: What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday. Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still

learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think

she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on

and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type >

> > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > >

> > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

January 4, 2006

, that looks like it could be a Mehta cast. Is there a whole in the back to compensate for the rib hump? If so, then it could very well be the same cast. Mehta usually goes over the shoulder like that depending on where the apex of the curve is.

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Re: Stories/Updates

I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted.

, mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote:

What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta?

My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday.

Sounds like AWESOME progress!

- Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote:

I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast.

, mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote:

mosunshinebaby,

The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!"

I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children.

We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care.

mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote:

Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

January 4, 2006

yes it does have the hole in the front and the back Claflin <noellesmommy@...> wrote: , that looks like it could be a Mehta cast. Is there a whole in the back to compensate for the rib hump? If so, then it could very well be the same cast. Mehta usually goes over the shoulder like that depending on where the apex of the curve is. Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04) Re: Re: Stories/Updates I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not smaller but they are the specialists. My words of

advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote: What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday. Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go

there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our

children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard

time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for

Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just

> > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for

> > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names >

> that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid

growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

January 4, 2006

I bet you it is a Mehta cast then .

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Re: Stories/Updates

I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted.

, mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote:

What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta?

My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday.

Sounds like AWESOME progress!

- Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote:

I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast.

, mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote:

mosunshinebaby,

The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!"

I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children.

We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care.

mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote:

Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

January 4, 2006

Thanks so much for the kind words of advise! He is rolling and loves to "eat" his toes1 Did your ped. Ortho specialize in this type of casting? I haven't heard of any other cast that had the holes in the front and the back- did you take the Mehta article w/you? Thanks in advance! Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not

smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote: What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday. Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie

<dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very

impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty

to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how

successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I

guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. >

I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going

> > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific

> names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in >

> > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

January 4, 2006